I think you'd be stupid not to have a strong tail if you're a Zimbabwe selector. Fact is there aren't any specialist bowlers who are worth their place above the "allrounders". Half the batsmen can bowl the odd over to fill in anyway... and then they go and play Mutizwa, S Masakadza and Chakabva....

I think part of the reason Shingi was picked was to strengthen the lower order actually; he's supposed to be able to bat.

And I like Mutizwa! :(

15-11-2012, 03:00 AM

Chubb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince EWS

I think part of the reason Shingi was picked was to strengthen the lower order actually; he's supposed to be able to bat.

And I like Mutizwa! :(

I like him too - as an ODI batsman. But 3 in a test side?

15-11-2012, 03:02 AM

Prince EWS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chubb

I like him too - as an ODI batsman. But 3 in a test side?

Wouldn't be opposed to seeing him at 5 or 6 in the Test side honestly; he's had some pretty strong periods in four day cricket domestically. #3 was probably a bridge too far though, indeed. :p

15-11-2012, 09:39 PM

Chubb

We have to ask ourselves how far we are prepared to play to win and how far to avoid being humiliated. I think my team has a good chance of avoiding humiliation, but could the lack of bowling options win a game? That said, I believe those 4 bowlers have a better chance of being incisive and causing trouble than a five-man attack featuring other options.

The other question is who keeps wicket. There are a lot of guys on the fringe of the side like Mutizwa or Chakabva who can take the gloves: I think one of the two would be the best option, and bat them at 7. Taylor shouldn't have to keep in tests. But if he does they can play an extra allrounder/batsman... and the problem continues....

15-11-2012, 09:57 PM

Dan

Anyone who is eligible for Zimbabwe and hasn't played Tests elsewhere. So Ballance is a yes, Compo and Harris no.

Also, today I learned Harris was born in Zimbabwe.

My thoughts were along the lines of this, as the best-case scenario XI:

Playing Williams or Waller ahead of Ervine would be tempting but it'd probably be taking the piss slightly.

16-11-2012, 05:38 AM

Chook Herron

Querl has been in the wickets again with figures 4/31 in the second innings against the Rocks. Although the Rocks are the South Australia of Zimbabwean domestic cricket. In saying that Mutumbami has been batting pretty well for them lately. If he can keep it up, he could be the answer to Taylor going back to a specialist batsman sometime down the track.

16-11-2012, 10:57 AM

Prince EWS

Finally some big runs for Vermeulen this week, too. He's played for every franchise in the comp now so this is basically his last chance at being a professional cricketer; hope it works out because I get the feeling he'd go much further off the rails without it.

16-11-2012, 05:23 PM

morgieb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince EWS

Finally some big runs for Vermeulen this week, too. He's played for every franchise in the comp now so this is basically his last chance at being a professional cricketer; hope it works out because I get the feeling he'd go much further off the rails without it.

I'm surprised he's still playing. Nice to see him in hot form :ph34r:

17-11-2012, 12:59 AM

Chook Herron

He was suppose to be retiring at the end of last season to become a professional golfer so I don't know what happened there. I can't see him cracking the national side again but who knows with Zimbabwean cricket

17-11-2012, 01:01 AM

Prince EWS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chook Herron

He was suppose to be retiring at the end of last season to become a professional golfer so I don't know what happened there.

That was because he'd burnt his bridges with practically every side and the Rhinos didn't want to go there. Eventually they offered him a "pay as you play" contract and he accepted.

17-11-2012, 12:15 PM

Pup Clarke

Would have doubts about Goodwin being good enough for a full-strength XI now. Imagine a near 40 year old up against the Windies pace attack for example...